Idaho Conservation Corps (ICC) has operated in Idaho since the summer of 1992. ICC is a part of the Northwest Youth Corps (NYC), a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth and young adults to become successful, resilient members of their communities. To achieve this, ICC provides a variety of outdoors, conservation-specific programs to youth and young adults throughout Idaho emphasizing education, leadership, and personal growth. Since 1984, NYC/ICC and its resource management partners have provided opportunities to over 20,000 youth and young adults to learn, grow, and experience success. NYC’s programs serve over 800 youth and young adults annually, with programs operating in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and California.

Position Description

Youth Corps Camping (YCC) Field Leaders co-lead, manage, and supervise conservation crews of six to ten youth, ages 16-18, over the course of the summer. The program is broken down into two five-week sessions, separated by a week off mid-summer. While on session, Field Leaders will be responsible for completing a variety of hands-on, conservation-oriented projects on public lands, such as trail maintenance or construction, invasive species management, or facilities maintenance, among others. Additionally, Field Leaders will facilitate daily lessons using our accredited outdoor education curriculum. Throughout the program Field Leaders are relied upon to ensure safety, encourage group cohesion, and facilitate a positive dynamic. Should an emergency arise at an inconvenient time, Field Leaders are the first to respond. As such, the position requires a great deal of responsibility, motivation, and flexibility. Overall, Field Leaders are well-balanced individuals who work hard and embody compassion, patience, and an inspirational attitude. This position not only allows Field Leaders to deliver an impactful educational experience to young people in their communities, but can also provide an entry-point into the fields of natural resource management, youth development, and outdoor education.

Training

Field Leaders will attend a required 11-day training that prepares them for a successful season. The training simulates a typical hitch and takes place at a project site, with food and transportation provided. Field Leaders camp at training in a location provided by ICC. Training includes:

ICC philosophy and organization

Safety procedures

Basic trail maintenance and construction

Crew management

Conservation techniques

Judgment and decision-making

Minimum impact camping

Backcountry camping and travel

Behavior management

Working with youth on medications

Driver training

Chainsaw operation and maintenance

Tool use and maintenance

Anaphylaxis training

Responsibilities

Leadership & Mentorship:Field Leaders manage, supervise, and participate in all aspects of crew work from hauling rocks to stacking brush. They work cooperatively with their co-leader to delegate responsibilities to crew members, maintain crew discipline, resolve conflicts, and establish/maintain crew morale. Time spent in ICC’s program can be demanding physically, mentally, and emotionally, and the Field Leader’s role in helping the crew navigate inevitable challenges with maturity and good judgment is crucial. Field Leaders are mentors and role models and set the pace and tone of the program, at the job site and at camp. Field Leaders provide formal and informal feedback to corps members with specific attention to work productivity and quality, teamwork, and leadership. Field Leaders receive feedback on their performance and are challenged to develop their own leadership skills within this program.

Safety & Risk Management:Field Leaders oversee the physical and emotional safety of program participants at all times. Safety is the number one priority in everything we do, including work, education, and camp life. This includes not only the physical safety but mental and emotional safety as well. Field Leaders will be responsible for safely transporting the crew and equipment to and from the worksite in ICC’s fleet vehicles.

Project Management & Implementation: Field Leaders are responsible for safely completing conservation projects to high standards by training, working with, and supervising crews of ten teenage youth 30-40 hours/week. They will serve as the public face of ICC when interacting with project sponsors and members of the local community. The Field Leaders’ principal role, however, will be to manage and motivate their crew of youth. In the field, they lead by example and provide direction to their crew with specific attention to safe work practices, proper tool use, work quality, and productivity. In addition to mental and emotional challenges, leaders perform sustained physically rigorous work, including lifting heavy loads and hiking long distances, and should expect to find each project physically challenging.

Education:Field Leaders implement daily lessons based on ICC’s education curriculum (SEED), which incorporates environmental education, life skills development, nutrition and health, and job readiness. Field Leaders track corps member participation and progress throughout the program. Field Leaders are encouraged to bring their own skills and experiences to the education curriculum and use natural surroundings for teachable moments.

Required Qualifications

At least 20 years old

Current Wilderness First Aid or higher and CPR certification

Current Driver’s License

Clean driving record for the past three years (Driver’s License Background Check required)

Recreational/ professional outdoor experience

Excellent organization and time management skills

Ability to lift and/or move up to 70 pounds and backpack 10 miles

Willingness and ability to frequently drive an ICC vehicle

Ability to work collaboratively and promote teamwork

Good judgment and decision making skills

Sense of humor, flexibility, spirit of adventure, and desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others and the environment

Experience/desire in working with diverse populations

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job

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